Classifying New York Theft Offenses

Classifying New York theft offenses may be critical to preparing a strong defense case before trial. Experienced theft attorneys can handle cases and represent people with regularity in theft and fraud allegations in the hundreds of dollars to well more than seven figures.

Classifying New York theft offenses can be relevant when defending various types of cases, such as:

• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Credit card fraud
• Tax crimes
• Money laundering
• Shoplifting

Some of these crimes are standalone offenses, meaning a person could be charged with a grand larceny but can also be charged with a forgery, possessing a forged instrument, identity theft or falsifying business records. Local criminal attorneys know how similar crimes are investigated, how they are developed, steps law enforcement takes and more importantly how to get the best results when challenging them.

There is a litany of other crimes that are associated with larceny and it is critical to recognize a person cannot go into court looking to just beat one charge because they could face a judge, jury or prosecutor with the wrong defense or theory and win the battle but lose the war.

A person could beat a set of charges but if there is even viable one charge left over, a judge and the district attorney can hang their proverbial hat on that charge remaining charge. Whether it is a theft, larceny, forgery or other fraud, a conviction could put a person behind bars. Classifying New York theft offenses may be critical to setting expectations before trial. 

An attorney can help think of alternative ways to get the predicate help so that they do not have to plead to or be sentenced to a felony. If the individual shows that they are capable of getting treatment, it is possible for the individual to plead to the felony but before they are sentenced and make restitution. The district attorney's office will allow them to withdraw that plea to something that is not felonious and does not involve incarceration even though otherwise the law mandates prison.

Therefore, if someone is a predicate, they can avoid state prison. If they are not a predicate, they are avoiding a felony, but one has to be creative and thorough and a person cannot wait until they want to withdraw the plea. They should not compound their situation. Therefore, it may be beneficial to get the right advocate be your guide and defense.

Theft attorneys can help an individual begin classifying New York theft offenses when seeking to avoid prosecution. Some have gotten non-criminal resolutions, and others have pleaded in the felonies but avoided prison. Distinguished lawyers have certainly limited people's exposures significantly. Each case is unique and each result is dependent on hard work, diligence and an effort that is unparalleled.